"Worrah! it's meself that came nigh doin' the same. That's a fine powdther-horn that he has. I say, Misther——"
Tim now began motioning very earnestly for this article, bullet-pouch and box of percussion caps that the savage had at his side; but the shrewd old fellow was sharper than they expected. He indulged in a peculiar grin, and held them very rigidly.
Howard laughed.
"You don't get anything more without paying for it?"
"What shall I pay? I've alriddy overdrawn me bank account, as they say."
"Let him take my watch," said Elwood. "Fact is, I think it has been ruined by the salt water."
"No, that's too much; haven't ye got some trinket about yees that isn't good for nothing and that you doesn't want?"
The boys searched themselves. Elwood finally produced a small silver pencil.
"Just the thing," said Tim.
But the old Indian, evidently failed to consider it just the thing, for he continued obdurate and shook his head.